If you love Metallica,you’ll love these modern metal bands as well. In one way or another, they all follow the path of Metallica and othergreat metal artists from the 1980s, who continued shaping the genre after its earliest days. Much like they did, and continue to do, these modern bands push the boundaries of what is possible.
AsMetallica has had their iconic moments, all of these acts have had their own signature times as well. While it is hard for any musicians to embracewhat it means to be rock stars, as much as Metallica does, they all make their best efforts. In fact,some have even performed at the same shows as them.
While no act will ever be a carbon copy of Metallica, that’s probably for the best. Instead, it’s refreshing to see the elements that they helped make popular being used, but with original spins on them. This way, the evolution of metal continues, andthe core values get passed down from one generation to the next, ensuring greatness.
10Havok
Thrash Metal Continues On
One of the subgenres that Metallica has helped make popular is thrash metal. Following their rise in the early ’80s, many musicians started choosing this as the foundation for their sound. Havok has been one of the newer thrash bands that has continued to evolve the genre,showcasing its grit and precision.
Through constantly changing lineups, frontman Dave Sanchez has managed to keep the band going.
Through constantly changing lineups, frontman Dave Sanchez has managed to keep the band going. Thus far, there have been five studio albums from them, along with some demos and EPs. In fact, their latest work was an EP,New Eyes, which debuted in November 2024. This was cited as a step forward for the band,making their future intriguing.
9Trivium
They Even Have A Phenomenal Metallica Cover
Over the course of their career, Trivium has been compared to Metallica due to many shared elements. Of course, they have their own distinct style, doing things musically that stray from what Metallica does. However, the blend they have created works for them, andit has helped establish them as a top metal act.
While it has been highly debated which works of Trivium, if any, sound directly like Metallica, they actually have a direct connection to them. On their sophomore record,they did a well-received cover of the hit song “Master of Puppets.“Additionally, they are one of the fortunate acts that have opened for the iconic band.
8Volbeat
There is Something About The Groove
While there are a few genres that Metallica has incorporated heavily into their work, one that appears occasionally is groove metal. Some of their most well-known works featuring this genre come from their famed 1991 album. With that in mind,one band that has managed to incorporate this sound to perfection is Volbeat.
Throughout their nine studio albums, they have showcased their abilities with crisp instrumentals and premier storytelling.Their work has led them to the biggest stages, including as an opener for Metallica. Despite some internal changes, their latest album arrived in 2025, as they continue to forge ahead.
7Bring Me The Horizon
They Haven’t Walked The Same Path, But There Are Many Similarities
In the bigger picture, Bring Me the Horizon and Metallica are more similar than different. Much like the legendary band has done,Bring Me the Horizon has never been afraid to experiment with new sounds. They have taken from the things that have paid off and utilized them to their advantage, making their production as big as possible.
Additionally, they have quite an appreciation for music overall, seeing the benefits of performing at times with large ensembles. Much like Metallica did,they have also built their fan base over time, which has led them to headline tours. They have even performed at the same festival, where a major debate was sparked over which band outshone the other.
The Emotion Is Undeniable
One of the newest bands taking over the metal scene is Bad Omens. They have been working hard for a decade, perfecting their craft over their first three studio albums. What they have shown isthe ability to draw raw emotion from their sound. This is a trait that will be familiar to Metallica fans, as they exhibit similar qualities.
They can take a few words and make them extremely impactful.
Bad Omens has shown they do not always need elaborate stories. Instead, they can take a few words and make them extremely impactful. Although there are not many details about what their next work will entail,the anticipation is greater than it has been for just about any modern band, as their 2022 release was historic.
5Sleep Token
The Stories They Tell Are Astonishing
It takes a special group of musicians to create an aura. The ability to fill a room and capture people’s attention isn’t something that is easy to learn. With many groups, it quickly becomes apparent whether they have this or not, andwith Sleep Token, it is clear they possess all the makings of one of the best stage presences.
This is exactly the quality Metallica possesses and why you hear their songs played in stadiums. There is a natural abilityto command the spotlight immediately. Sleep Token has the look that does this, but also the songs to match. They have worked their way up to being festival headliners and are now four studio albums into their career.
4Code Orange
Everything About Them Is In Line With Metallica
Code Orange is one of the most impressive bands in metal today. They have shown many sides to their music,achieving significant highlights along the way. Not only have they become one of the prominently featured bands by the WWE, but they have also had the opportunity to work with legends such as Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins.
So far, they have released five studio albums, with their latest arriving in 2023. Currently, they have no future plans, but it would be a shame if they didn’t continue. Nonetheless, what they have created is appreciated, and it has helped place them in conversations like this, becausetheir abilities are ones that can hold up even alongside legends.
Instrumentals Like These Are What Metal Fans Love
In any conversation about Metallica, one of the main points usually brought up is their ability to create iconic instrumentals. Everyone knows songs like “Enter Sandman,” and the iconic riff from the tune is easily identifiable. Another band that takes great pride in creating intricate works like this is Gojira.
A perfect example of how they have been able to make things count is their song “Stranded.” This has become one of their signature tunes, partly because it is so catchy. The work they have done has led them to global stages, including a performance at the Olympics, where they showed that metal is loud and beautiful.
Some Will Call This Prime Hetfield
A band that frequently comes up when discussing acts similar to Metallica is Orbit Culture. Of course, their sound is a bit harsher, butthere are definitely similarities when their clean vocals kick in. Particularly in their earlier work, it’s easy to see where listeners would draw comparisons to the voice of James Hetfield.
Many have praised them for going darker and heavier, showcasing yet another side of their music.
Since their formation in 2013, they have produced a substantial amount of work, which has included four EPs and five studio albums. Their latest release was just launched in 2025 andonce again demonstrated the band’s great qualities. Many have praised them for going darker and heavier, showcasing yet another side of their music.
1Avenged Sevenfold
The Shared Influences Are Evident
Throughout their career, Avenged Sevenfold have often drawn comparisons to Metallica. Their work undoubtedly draws inspiration, but that’s how the genre continues to evolve. They have taken important elements from before their time and blended them with their own unique style,which has become iconic among the metal community.
The remarkable aspect of Avenged Sevenfold is that all the work they have done has paid off, landing them opportunities such as performing shows with Metallica.They have earned the right to step on these massive stages, consistently improving their craft. Just as Metallica never stops striving for more, the same can be said for Avenged Sevenfold.
